Adobe After Effects 5/5.5 Essentials Tutorial

Adobe After Effects is the design application that has become the standard for 2D/3D compositing, special effects, and animation, even among video and motion graphics professionals. In this Virtual Training Company tutorial, Jayse Hansen guides you through the use of After Effects 5/5.5, taking you from the basics of creating a clip, organizing, and how to work with compositions, to working with typography, audio, effects, fades, and transitions. Other lessons involve working with 3D layers, lighting, and cameras, importing from Photoshop and Illustrator, and 3D enhancements. He includes assignments to help you apply what you are learning. And for even more assistance, he gives you additional book and web resources so that you can explore After Effects even further. To get started today, simply click one of the movie topics below.

Importing From Photoshop

Examining a Layered PS File Importing Into AE as Composition Modifying Layers Importing with Alpha Channels Creating an Alpha in Photoshop Working with Pre-Multiplied Alpha Channels Creating a Straight Alpha the Best Kind! Multi-colored Straight Alpha Channels Working with B&W Scans Play Around with These How to View the Alpha Channel in AE Saving Out to a Layered PS Document

Illustrator

Difference Between a Raster Item and a Vector Item The Vector Language Working in Illustrator / Problems when Importing Using Crops to Define Your Final Output in AE Viewing Alpha Channel of Illustrator Files Applying Effects - Continuously Rasterize Solution

3D Cameras

Introduction to 3D Cameras Creating a Fly-through effect Adding a Camera Using the Orbit: Pan and Track / Dolly Tools Animating the Camera Setting Custom Resolution Modifying the Motion Path Using Roving Keyframes Orient Layers Towards Camera Using Multiple Cameras Adding Depth of Field Comparisons with and without Depth of Field A Note About Multiple Views in After Effects 5.5

Expressions

Get Excited! Expressions Are Cool Four Basics You Must Learn Setting Up an Illustrator Cyber-Screen First Option Using Parenting Better Option - Using the Pick Whip Tool to Match Properties Basics of Java Syntax Using Math to Alter Expressions Linking Dissimilar Properties - Rotation to Opacity Converting Value Ranges 100 to 360 Linking Lights and Cameras to Layers with Expressions Orientating a Camera the Wrong Way Orientating a Camera the Right Way with Expressions Rendered Example Offsetting Time Values Efficiently Working with Null Objects

SWF Import

Importing Files From Flash or Livemotion

Demo Tips

Introduction The Most Important Thing to Focus on Selecting Work to Include Tips for Motion Graphics Designers Tips for Visual Effects Artists / Compositors Delivery Options VHS / DVD Targeting Your Market Tips for the Perfectionists